1116 Government Street – E.A. Morris Tobacconist

Downtown Victoria Tour

1116 Government Street – E.A. Morris Tobacconists

The E.A. Morris Tobacconist store at 1116 Government Street is well worth seeing even if you are not a smoker. E.A. Morris Tobacconist is a very well preserved example of an early 20th century Edwardian store interior.

Architectural historians have suggested that the present E.A. Morris building was originally built in 1882 by John Smeaton for $2,000.

That may be an error. In 1909 E.A. Morris retained architect Thomas Hooper to redesign the facade and shop interior. But in November 1909 the City of Victoria issued a building permit to E.A. Morris for construction of a new brick, concrete and steel building, 2 stories, 2 rooms, at an estimated construction cost of $4,200.

Whether or not Thomas Hooper designed this structure in 1909 as a new building or as a renovation of the previously existing 1882 building, Thomas Hooper‘s re-design and renovations are still largely intact and readily evident in the current facade and Edwardian interior store fixtures.

Thomas Hooper’s 1909 design of the E.A. Morris Tobacconist is an excellent intact example of an early 20th century Edwardian storefront and interior. The E.A. Morris Tobacconist store is well worth seeing for its historic value, even if you’re not a smoker.